Flexer Family Benefit set to help family get back on its feet

Friday, May 31, 2013

By GAIL MAHOLICK gmaholick@tnonline.com

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mahoning Township, and the community are coming together to help a family in need on Sunday, June 2 at the Lehighton Recreation Center, 243 S. Eighth St. Lehighton.

The Flexer Family Benefit will assist Derrick Flexer, his wife, Bobbie Jo, and their daughter, Peyton, who lost everything in a fire on April 9.

Flames shot high in the air that night when they lost virtually all their possessions in the fire.

This family is well known within the community, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Organizers are hoping that the community will help them in their time of need.

There will be food vendors such as Verona's Pizza and Grumpy's BBQ, and direct sale vendors such as Origami Owl and Thirty One. There will also be appearances throughout the day by the Penn State Nittany Lion, who will be available for photos, a silent auction, bake sale and two Zumba classes to kick off and close out the event, with much more available.

The benefit will be both inside and outside starting at 9 a.m. for Zumba, 10 a.m for auction events, and going until 4 p.m., when the event will close with Zumba with Danielle.

The Flexer family belongs to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, which has begun a fund drive. Donations can be mailed to the Flexer Fire Fund in care of Wendy Gill-Guzenski at the church, or dropped off at any branch of Wells Fargo Bank. If dropped off at the bank, mention Wendy Guzenski and that the donation is for the Flexer Fire Fund, account ending in 6725.

The church also held a clothing and household items drive.

The Flexers lived at 338 Ocher St., Lehighton. Derrick Flexer said his family lost everything but is glad he, his wife, and baby weren't at home at the time of the fire.

"We have each other and that's all that matters and rebuild and move on," said Flexer at the fire scene.

Individuals who helped organize the event are Jenn Sterling, Jackie Neff, Amanda Kresge, vendors, community volunteers and the Flexer family.